Passenger Safety & Service Flashcards

Before allowing passengers to board, a boat operator should ensure which condition is met?

Answer: The boat is stable and securely tied to the dock

The boat must be stable and properly secured before passengers step aboard to prevent falls or capsizing during boarding.

When a passenger falls overboard, which action should the operator take FIRST?

Answer: Throw a flotation device toward the person

Throwing a flotation device toward the person in the water is the immediate priority to help them stay afloat while you maneuver the boat.

How should passengers be seated to maintain proper boat stability?

Answer: Low and centered, with weight distributed evenly

Keeping passengers seated low and with weight distributed evenly prevents the boat from listing or capsizing.

What is the maximum legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for operating a boat in most U.S. states?

Answer: 0.08%

Like driving a car, the legal BAC limit for boat operators in most U.S. states is 0.08%, and BUI (Boating Under the Influence) carries serious penalties.

A passenger with no boating experience asks to take the helm briefly. What should the operator do?

Answer: Allow it only if the water is calm and vessel speed is slow

An operator may allow an inexperienced person to steer under calm, controlled conditions while remaining present and supervising at all times.

Which U.S. Coast Guard requirement applies to children under 13 on most recreational vessels in federal waters?

Answer: They must wear a properly fitted, USCG-approved life jacket while underway

Federal law requires children under 13 to wear an approved, properly fitting life jacket whenever the vessel is underway on federal waters.

What should an operator tell passengers BEFORE departing the dock?

Answer: The location of life jackets, fire extinguisher, and what to do in an emergency

Operators must brief passengers on safety equipment locations and emergency procedures before getting underway.